Let’s Talk About Blogging

On By Suzanne@PictureRetirementIn photography, retirement

Blogging is a hobby that I have enjoyed for several years and find rewarding on many levels. It is a fun way to chronicle our lives, showcase our photographs, and meet folks who, like me, are naturally curious about a lot of things.

I published my first post on Picture Retirement on January 1, 2017, and received three ‘likes.’ It would take months of posting until I finally received a comment from anyone who wasn’t a personal friend. That comment came from Gilda Baxter of Traveler Interrupted. She said this in response to my post about Repositioning Cruises.

I have enjoyed a few cruises with my family, particularly loved a cruise we took from Venice to Croatia and the Greek Islands. I have heard of the reposition cruises, such a great idea. Sounds like you had a lot of fun. Gilda

Then, in July of that year, it happened. I received a whopping six comments. One of those commenters was Gilda, and another was Janis at Retirementally Challenged. She said this about how we showcase our photographs.

I have yet to create a photo book of our adventures since we’ve retired, but it’s definitely on my list… thanks for the nudge. I agree with your assessment of photos used in a blog post – none is not enough, but too many can overwhelm the reader. Just because three photos of the same thing is interesting to the blogger, it probably isn’t to their readers. I have an Instagram site but don’t keep it up like I should… another nudge! Janis

I was over the moon and felt like I had just met two new friends. To my amazement, these ladies still follow our blog, and each still leaves comments that make me smile. They understand what social blogging is all about. Thankfully, there are more of you out there, and by some miracle, we have connected.

About Comments

Since those early days, I have published 227 posts and have received more than 6,000 comments. I know, some of you get that many in a month. Big whoop. The people who visit my blog leave thoughtful, specific, and meaningful comments that remind me that we all want the same thing – to connect preferably, with like-minded, positive people, who validate our presence to some degree. Likewise, I do my best to leave meaningful comments (that add to the conversation) on the blogs I read.

Readers like Erica instinctively know how to reflect your words back in a way that leaves you with no doubt that she read what you wrote. I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel special. Erica doesn’t write her blog anymore, but it is still online, and you may read her post here. You can follow her on Instagram here.

Hi Suzanne, I am sorry to read about the challenges your family is facing. As you describe well “heart-wrenching.” And your phrase “compassionate care,” lends a positive spin to all of the complicated issues. Your steps for prevention and slowing down progression for disease are universal and great reminders, Sue. Hugs during this challenging time xoxo Erica

Then there was this comment from Laurel at Raven and Chickadee.

Oh, Suzanne, how I wish we could take a long walk together!!! And also sit around with a glass (or two) of wine and share our experiences of dealing with aging parents. It’s sad, painful, and exhausting…. 

Validation and recognition have many forms, so don’t get me wrong. I understand and appreciate the quick three-word responses I sometimes receive, and hitting the ‘like’ button, is totally acceptable when that is all you have time for. But, engaging in conversation is where it’s at for me. The two comments above along with so many others on this post about dementia were as heartfelt and real as it gets, and I am profoundly grateful that so many of you took the time to connect with me on a personal level.

About Photographs

Photographs are a big deal on my blog, hence the name Picture Retirement. These days, I write less about retirement and more about life, but photographs still tell our story. Current pictures of the two of us engaged in our favorite activities, like cooking and traveling, are supplemented by an abundance of landscape photos that I find interesting.

I enjoy writing about photography and shared this post, which still holds the record for most views on our blog. I also wrote this ‘how to’ post using IA assistance to encourage the use of self-portraits on personal blogs. Updating your profile photo or including a picture of yourself in an occasional post helps readers relate to the person behind the words, even when you are not the subject of your blog.

I use my own photographs 99% of the time and am ambivalent about watermarks and copyrights. I do not sell my photos, so if someone ‘borrows’ from me, it doesn’t harm me in any way. However, I completely respect anyone who chooses to protect their work and encourage watermarks and copyrights for bloggers and photographers who sell or intend to sell their work. If you use photographs on your blog that do not belong to you, please be sure you have permission and always give credit to the photographer or website.

About Community

Building a community of like-minded followers took a lot of patience and persistence. My first two readers (Gilda and Janis) were followed by a few more, then a few more. Six years later, the blog has about 500 followers. Engagement, (as measured by the average number of comments) runs about 5% to 6% per post, which is good by most standards. Having a few loyal readers is all the encouragement I need to stick around.

I follow and regularly read about 40 blogs on an ongoing basis. Blogs I enjoy have subjects that include photography, travel, gardening, food, wellness, wholeness, and fitness. Most blogs I read are casual, personal, and engaging. They are written by individuals who strike me as being positive and authentic.

I frequently leave comments and enjoy reading comments left by other readers. Instead of leaving a duplicate comment, I sometimes click ‘like’ on a comment that said it better than I could have. Admittedly, I do not read every post from each blogger I follow, especially those who post multiple times per week. Sometimes I will scroll through and hit ‘like’ but that feels disingenuous and even gratuitous, which is worse. Have you ever done that? What is your motivation behind a ‘like’ without a comment?

I occasionally review the blogs I follow and purge ones that have not published a post for more than six months or those that didn’t hold my interest over time. I have found most of the blogs I follow through comments the blogger left on other blogs or in WP Reader. When a comment is thoughtful and specific to the post, I will click over and read the About Me page and one or two posts before deciding to follow.

I think the important thing about building and keeping a community is participation, so if the part about Comments didn’t resonate with you, please scroll back up and read it again. Building a community requires initiating and participating in conversations, both on your own blog and the blogs of others. Last year I wrote this post about socializing and offered a few tips, including encouragement to start a blog.

About Me

If you have ever clicked on our About Me page, you will get a sense of who we are in a nutshell, but, please read our Welcome Post, if you’d like to know more about us. I also want to know about you, and when I visit your About Me page, I’d love to gain an understanding of who you are, where you live, and something about your interests. I’d like to understand your style of writing and the focus of your blog by the time I leave that page. Quick blurbs are fine for professional blogs, but when a personal blog is your genre, it’s nice to start by sharing information that gives readers a reason to want to connect.

These photos express who we are, almost as well better than any words I could ever write.

I write about what’s happening in our lives, from downsizing to dementia, and gratefully, some of you find that mildly entertaining. I think of what I write as an ongoing conversation with friends. Sharing my love of photography, cooking, entertaining, family, and travel just happens to slip into the conversation regularly. Reading about your hobbies, interests, and accomplishments is inspiring and encouraging to me, but, sharing your setbacks, struggles, and personal growth is important too. When the world is spinning out of control, it is nice to have a place to come and ‘be human’ with each other. I appreciate you all and look forward to our time together. Thank you for being a part of my blogging experience and life.

About Giving and Receiving Blogging Advice

I am always open to advice regarding my blog. If you notice something glaring, (misspelled title, thanks Leanne) or something outright wrong or annoying, please contact me through the comments section on the post you are reading or through my Contact Me page.

I am far from an expert at this, but I have learned a thing or two over the years that I’d like to pass on. (1) when someone comments on your post, acknowledge their words. They are not likely to come back if they don’t feel welcome and appreciated. (2) review every post you link to your post. You never know when things have gone wonky (3) always hit the Preview button before you hit Publish (4) make sure your Gravatar image is linked to your blog (ask me why if you don’t understand this one (5) create a Search Bar (I am nosy and often return to favorite blogs to look up an old post) people use those a lot more than you might think (6) set up your links to open in another tab. This allows a reader to click the link and read, without having to backtrack to the original post. (7) create an inviting presentation. Use white space and photos to break up text. With so many blogs out there, it is easy to skip over one that is cluttered or presents information in a disjointed fashion.

Happy Thanksgiving

We are off next week on a Thanksgiving holiday with the kids, but I’ll be back at the end of the month with a November wrap-up and lots of photos of our time in Quebec City, Canada. Happy Thanksgiving

79 thoughts on “Let’s Talk About Blogging”

  1. Hi Suzanne
    I enjoy posts like these and everything you’ve said resonates with me, especially when you first started! I remember getting very excited when I received a few likes.
    As the years have gone on I’ve also got my favourite blogs and feel that these people have become friends.
    I like where I’m at as it’s a lot of work and time to blog, read and comment.
    Anyway Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your break 😍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Alison, I am glad the post resonated with you. I think many of us remember that feeling when we started getting legitimate likes and comments on our posts. It seems natural to narrow our focus to a few blogs/bloggers we enjoy visiting. It sort of mirrors real life that way, don’t you think? Thanks for stopping by.

      Like

      Reply

  2. An early Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family with best wishes for a great holiday adventure. I love the blogging community, I’ve learned a lot from fellow bloggers, and appreciate each and every comment. I hit ‘like’ with no comment when I do not have anything positive to add to the conversation or when a person has already posted multiple times that week, and I have nothing left to say. When a person takes the time to comment, it is like a personal gift of time, experience, and friendship. It’s a wonderful thing. Happy Sunday and safe travels!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Judy, you summed up the debate between ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ perfectly. I know some people don’t like the gratuitous ‘like’ but I use it to let the blogger know I stopped by even if I don’t have anything to contribute to the conversation. This is a great community and I am grateful to be a part of it. Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. Your posts are always a bright spot in my week. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving week.

      Like

      Reply

  3. I didn’t know when you started blogging nor can I tell you how I found you. I like your approach to blogging, similar to mine so I suppose it stands to reason we’d be bloggy friends. Blogging has opened the world to me in a way that is insightful and entertaining and encouraging. I learn oodles about how people live their lives both in their posts and in the comment sections… which is where I say the fun is!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Ally, ‘Bloggy friends’ indeed. I have always been curious about how people live, what they care about, and where they focus energy, so this is a great space to feed that curiosity.

      I don’t know when or how you found me either, but I suspect it was through a comment I made on your blog. You have quite a presence here, and your logo stands out, so I probably found you first. What kept me coming back was your wit. You know the saying ‘they could sing the phonebook and make it sound wonderful’? Well, that is you with a blog post.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. Hi Suzanne – I love it when I find a blogger (like yourself) who I resonate with. I’m not sure what it is that clicks, but there’s just a sense of being like-minded and on a similar trajectory in life. I’m impressed that you can keep up with following 40 blogs – I’m nowhere near that focused and probably only follow less than half that many these days – I don’t even attend link parties anymore… I can relate to not being able to comment on every new post with bloggers who post multiple times each week – sometimes it just swamps me.

    I’m also a big fan of blog posts that are broken up with headings and photos etc because it makes reading them so much easier and more enjoyable (and personal). I always smile when I see one of your new posts pop up in my email because I know it’ll be interesting and definitely worth commenting on (and I appreciate your thoughtful comments on my posts too). Here’s to many more blogging encounters. x

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Leanne, I am ‘devoted’ to about 25 blogs, and the remaining 15 or so are mostly rotational. I participate in link parties when my posts align with the subject, which isn’t often, but it is still a good way to meet new bloggers. Thank you for your constant validation over the years. I am sure you hold the record for the most frequent commenter.

      I always look forward to reading what you have to say as you are a wise and thoughtful individual. Your blog is a pure delight.

      Like

      Reply

  5. Suzanne, I really appreciate this post and your tips are great. When I started blogging I never thought anyone except my friends and family would be interested in my posts. I was surprised and excited when a stranger liked one of my posts. Like you, I received comments from other bloggers and we became what I call “blogging friends”. There is a wonderful blogging community here and I’m happy to be a part of it. I hope to keep blogging until I run out of pictures or things to say 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Beth, your blog has been on my list of favorite reads for years. I love all your photographs, whether you took them in an exotic destination or in your back yard. I doubt you will ever ‘run out of pictures, or things to say.’ It is nice when strangers become friends. Thanks for your constant support. I always look forward to what you have to say.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. What an excellent summary of all that is great about blogging, and advice on how to keep it great! I completely agree with your views on commenting, it’s the comments that create a sense of community. Also, I find comments on my posts sometimes stimulate interesting conversations, or prompt me to look at my subject matter from a different angle. Do I sometimes just click ‘like’ on a post? Yes, but not so much because I’ve only scrolled it but because I have nothing more to say than that I like it. That happens most often with single photo posts. Without more images and/or text to give context, I find myself with little to say beyond the bland ‘great shot’, so a simple ‘like’ seems enough.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Sarah, I often click ‘like’ on a single photo post for the same reason you have stated. That is probably my least favorite post to receive, and I often feel that the blogger simply needs to fill a quota. I love photos that represent a theme or illustrate a lesson in photography, (leading lines, symmetry, etc.) like so many of your posts do, but the one photo, no words post leaves me speechless.

      Without comments, there would be no connections, and without that, why blog at all? I always appreciate your visits and thoughtful comments. Have a great week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. What a nice post! When I started blogging I was really into it and participated, made friends and even met several of those friends. In the last several years my participation has dropped off unfortunately. Life keeps interrupting my blog life, darn it. But I keep plodding along because I still enjoy putting a post together and, like your blog, mine is photo-heavy. I love taking and sharing photos! I use a watermark because I don’t want anyone selling my photos for profit. I really enjoyed your photos at the end. It does surely show what you are about 👍

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Toby, I just popped over to read your ‘about me’ page and your most recent post. Thanks for sharing all those beautiful fall colors. That isn’t something I get to see in South Florida. It is interesting that you have considered retiring to Spain. It seems that is one of the ‘hot spots’ for expats these days.

      I can totally relate to ‘life interrupting my blog’ as that continues to be our story as well.

      Watermarks are a good idea, but I use low resolution photos here, so even if they are stolen they aren’t worth anything.

      I’m glad you enjoyed the collection of photos at the end. That is pretty much our life in a nutshell. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. I enjoyed reading this post. I think I agree with every single point you’ve made about blogging. Now, sometimes I will click “Like” without leaving a comment. Sometimes, I just don’t have anything new to add. Perhaps I am tired, or perhaps nothing occurred to me as I read. However, I still want to acknowledge the post – with more than just an increase in the writer’s “views.” I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving, too, and I really look forward to reading about Quebec City.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. I do use the Like button without leaving a comment because I want the blogger to know that I was there and read their post. I don’t always have the time to comment or have something to say about a particular post and then the Like button comes in very handy. I blogged (sporadically and often anonymously) for years with very few to no comments – I felt I was shouting into a void and that was OK – my blog(s) were my therapy/diary/historical record of the bad times I was experiencing. Of course my life is very different now and I love the blogging community I am a part of. I’ve made some real connections with people who have become dear friends in real life as well as online. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your trip to Canada!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Deb, I think a lot of people begin their blogs the same way – to make some sense of thoughts rattling around in our heads. I was a journal writer long before I was a blogger, so it was a natural transition for me. People reading and commenting was a welcome bonus within the process. You are certainly one of the ‘success stories’ of the blogging world and I always look forward to your escapades with Bowser, and with Donna, of course. Thanks for stopping by.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Thank you, Suzanne 💕 I’ve never thought of myself as a successful blogger – wow, maybe I should reframe my definition of “blogging success” – which was always based on some sort of fame and fortune (something I don’t want). I’ve followed bloggers in the past who found a way to monetize and create book deals etc., for themselves. More power to them but not something I want for myself. What I did want (and have found) is a community of lovely people to interact with…yeah, OK! I HAVE been successful. Thanks so much, Suzanne!!! 💕

        Liked by 1 person

  10. theretiredalchemist's avatar theretiredalchemist

    Wow – did I ever need to read this post! How kind of you to write it just for me (grin). My blog is only a little over a year old, so I am fairly new to the blog writing world. When I started, it was with the intent of it being a fun, creative retirement endeavor. I had no idea how much MORE fun it is when others (not just friends and family) engage and comment. Being a naive new blogger, I was surprised to see that my blog stats were tracked for me; sometimes I wish they weren’t. I only use my own photos too and did not realize how hard it is to get a decent, blog acceptable, picture. Your photos are gorgeous btw. Now, I am going to go back and rewrite my “about me” section, based on your suggestions.

    Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Feeling compelled to leave a comment now, in addition to my ‘silent Like’ 🙂

    Often I am in sort of a reading-only mode – using a tablet without a keyboard, browsing other blogs on WordPress Discover, clicking on tags, searching for something random – trying to surprise myself … hoping to stumble on inspiring blogs like yours!

    I personally appreciate silent, ‘random’ Likes on my blog – so I do not consider them gratuitous!

    I’ve been on WordPress since more than 10 years, and I was part of a very active group of bloggers (Over the years nearly everybody left). So, I fully second everything you say about community!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. My posts are a bit random, but I enjoy learning from everyone and sharing bits of my life in return. I’m glad you learned something about our site history and hopefully more about us.

      I look forward to your next adventure as your writing is exceptional and Michaela’s photos are always a treat. Have a wonderful week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. caroldehaven's avatar caroldehaven

    Suzanne,
    I have followed your Blog since 2016 when I retired and was looking for Retirement and Travel ideas. I am not a blogger but a follower!
    I always “Like” blog posts when they resonate with me but don’t often comment if I don’t have anything to add to the conversation or it has been discussed previously.
    Your photos are beautiful and the layout of the blog is very pleasing. I also love the sidebar with other Bloggers listed and linked. I have found many interesting blogs and bloggers (many of whom are commenting on this post right now) from your site.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and I anxiously await your post about Quebec City, Canada. Safe travels!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Carol, you are indeed one of my early followers and it makes me happy when you leave a comment. I get it though that not every blog post needs to be acknowledged. I am thrilled that you enjoy my photographs. I have neglected my camera lately in lieu of my phone camera, but will no doubt get back on track in Quebec City. Thank you for your good wishes and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  14. Suzanne,
    In 2015, I published my first blog post within weeks of my retirement. I was interested in becoming better with a camera and felt that having a place to post pictures would force me to become a little more skilled. Little did I realize I would make “bloggy friends” (I love the term) along the way. I can only handle about 10 per week, but all are written by delightful, interesting people. My first comment came from Donna (Retirement Reflections), and I was amazed that a person from as far away as Vancouver Island would read anything I wrote. One of the best pieces of advice came from your blog a year or so ago. You suggested strongly that when an author took the time to reply to a comment, the commenter should return and read the reply or at least “like” it. I follow that advice religiously. Reading over 25 blogs is impressive– I’m honored you stop by mine.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Joe, I started a camera club because I wanted to learn from other photographers and improve the quality of my travel photos. The idea was to create more interesting Shutterfly books that would chronicle our lives and travels i.e. a legacy of sorts. The more photos I took, and the better my pictures became, the more outlets I wanted to share them through, so the blog was born.

      When I sift through all the qualities of the bloggers that I follow, I see three common traits – motivation, passion, and commitment. Thanks for being my ‘bloggy friend.’ Best to you and Helen and Happy Thanksgiving.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Your blogging advice is spot on, Suzanne. I know, because they are all suggestions I follow. 🙂 I click “like” on a blog, after reading the post and not having time to leave a comment, or not having anything interesting to add.

    There have been occasions, where I clicked “like” in support of the blogger or the title, when I am even busier and know I won’t be able to read the post for a long time to come.

    Since we’ve been in Peru, life has been even more hectic than usually. It’s a big country with incredible distances to cover, so during the day we drive and sightseeing and run errands, which means we have to work – and blog (hence the delay in that as well) at night. That means less time for blog reading and other pursuits.

    Have a wonderful time with your family over Thanksgiving! Have you been to Quebec City? It’s a beautiful and fascinating place.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Liesbet, I am glad to hear you say that you click ‘like’ in support of a blogger. I often don’t have time for more than a skim read, but I want the blogger to know I stopped by so I do that too. Sometimes I do get back to the post for a complete read and sometimes I forget about it. So at least there was that small acknowledgement.

      We spent a half day in Quebec City many years ago when on a New England/Canada cruise. I honestly don’t remember much about it except that I wanted to return and spend quality time there. Weather permitting, we will do just that.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. To borrow Janis’s word (from the caption) there are so many great “nudges” here. By the way, Janis was one of my earlier “non friends/family commenters.” I’m happy and honored to say that I got to meet her in real life, and that is one of my highlights from blogging. I also really appreciate the specific and meaningful comments along the way. I’ve made a list of action items for myself based on this post. Thanks Suzanne!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Tracey, Janis has been an inspiration for years and I would love to meet her one day. How cool would it be to choose a different city annually and have a Blogger Meet-up for all who could attend? I am glad I offered a few nudges that might inspire you to get back to your blog. Happy Thanksgiving

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. You are very successful! I started blogging in 2006 (I think) and I don’t have as many followers, OR as many comments as you regularly do! Excellent work.

    As for motivation to hit ‘like’ and then not comment? Sometimes I don’t have a comment, but want the author to know I was there and read the piece. Sometimes I’m in too much of a hurry to comment, but still want to acknowledge the writing.

    And now maybe you can help me. I don’t know what a Gravatar is so odds are there’s not one linked to my blog. I don’t know how to create a search bar either, though once upon a time, a long long time ago, one of my readers asked about searching for something in my blog. I had no idea how to answer her. Thankfully she still reads me. 🙂

    Thank you for the good advice!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Dawn, you do have a Gravatar because when I click on dawnkinster above, I am transported to Change is Hard. That is the general idea and here is how it works. You leave an interesting comment on a blog and the blogger wants to know more about you, so he/she clicks on your image or title and it locates your blog where he/she can read your About Me page or your most recent post. Having your blog connected to your Gravatar just makes it easy for people to locate you. Otherwise, people have no way of knowing who this nice person is who just left an interesting comment. So, good on you for having that one covered!

      As far as the search bar. I am a self-taught blogger who stumbles through until I figure things out, but basically, you need to go into your Admin section and select Appearance, then Widgets, then + until you locate Search. You can choose where you want it added, which for most people would be somewhere near the top of your blog. I doubt this helps much, but you can always select Help from WP and they will guide you to specific instructions.

      I wouldn’t worry too much about traffic to your blog as long as you are having fun and feel good about what you are doing. I am just grateful to have a few folks who keep coming back for more. Many blessings.

      Like

      Reply

  18. How cool to read all about your perceptions of blogging, Suzanne! I know I personally enjoy your writing style and I adore your photography! You share interesting tidbits about your travels and pour your heart into your words. It’s fun to look back at our own blogging histories and see where we started. You may have read I published my first post on WP in October 2011. Like you, I had no followers and few likes. I had no idea what I was doing, and took a couple of years off then jumped back in late 2014. To this day I have countless blog friends and countless ones I have met in person. I enjoyed reading this today. Here’s to almost 7 years of blogging and glad you stuck around 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Terri, I am glad I stuck around too. From everything I have read, most blogs fold after two years. It kind of amazes me that I still feel just as enthusiastic about blogging as I did at the beginning. I know that is largely due to the warm reception that has been extended to me by so many individuals along the way.

      You are lucky to have met so many of your readers in person. I hope to do that one day. California in the spring, or maybe Washington in the fall, Vancouver Island comes to mind, as does Australia or the UK – so many bloggers, so little time.

      My photography has taken a back seat to life lately, but I hope that our little trip to Quebec City will be the inspiration I need to get back to it. Malcolm and I were talking the other day about the constants in my life – him, photography, tennis, and Mahjong – all good anchors to keep me grounded. Wishing you the best. Thanks for stopping by.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Suzanne, I have a good memory for where bloggers live. On our various travels, if I know I might be within reasonable travel, I contact the person and simply ask. Its been a blessing. Yes, Washington in the Fall–but you have to come to the Spokane side, or let me know and I’ll head to the west side. And I’d love an excuse to visit Vancouver Island–I know a few other bloggers there, too 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I have come close to a couple of bloggers on our east coast, and was literally a few miles away from one, but I’m shy about asking, Imagine that. I definitely won’t be shy about contacting you if I ever get to your part of the country. And yes, we do both know a few bloggers over on Vancouver Island. Hmmm……

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Hi Suzanne, Your blogging advice is spot on. I agree with you that it took time, a lot of patience and persistence to build a blogging community of like-minded followers.

    I read maybe 40 blogs on a regular basis (about 20-25 per week are from the Weekend Coffee Share blog link-up that I host). I follow a much smaller number of blogs as I find blogs that post more than once a week overwhelming.

    I rarely use the Like button for acknowledgment as many bloggers seem to do. When I read and like a post, I click Like and write a comment. Sometimes I forget to click Like and just go right to the Comment section.

    I enjoy reading your blog and viewing your photos. I look forward to your post about Quebec City. Have a wonderful trip!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Natalie, as the host of a popular linkup, I’m sure you have enough blogs to read and comment on without adding new ones to your reading schedule. Interesting to hear that you don’t use the like button as acknowledgment. That is commendable and says a lot about your confidence. I do tend to think that it is often used as a scapegoat to not offend. Thanks for your steady, presence here and your dedicated work to keep us all connected. Your blog is a beautiful and welcoming space.

      Like

      Reply

      1. Thank you Suzanne for your kind words about my blog and blog presence. When I started blogging in 2016, I was on Blogger and there is no Like button on Blogger. On some self-hosted WordPress blogs, there is also no Like button. I switched to WordPress in 2019 and started using the Like button but it’s a learned habit for me. Now as a host, I switch from one platform to another to read linked up blogs and just go to the Comments most of the time.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I see. I might, if someone is not a regular or if they come and just click like on my blog, and I don’t have much to say. I have a few that just like a post or a bunch of posts and then move on. They probably don’t even read them. I don’t feel obligated to do more than that if I visit their blog.

        Like

  20. Hi, Suzanne -Janis of RetirementallyChallenged was also the first person (who I had not yet met IRL) to comment on my blog. I swore that I danced around the kitchen when I saw her reply. We have now become great friends, and despite her living over 2000 km away, and in another country, we have met up IRL several times and will meet up again this summer.
    Great post that led to much personal self-reflection!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Donna, I am envious that you have met so many bloggers, including Janis, who has been a favorite of mine since she first appeared on my blog, I am up for a blogger meetup any time, any place.

      I am glad you found something in my post to promote self-reflection today. That is the best validation a blogger can receive.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Hi, Suzanne – Vancouver Island is the place to be! Janis will be here in early August, and Kathy (Smart Living 365) will be here at the end of August. And of course, Deb (Widow Badass) lives nearby as does Judith (Dr. Sock Writes Here), Ann (The Unretired) and Erica (okay, she’s a two hour drive away but still very doable for a meet up). ❤

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Seriously? What fun! I don’t think Terri is too far from there either. I wish I still lived closer. My first husband’s mother lived in Seattle, so we went to Vancouver Island several times.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. I agree, connecting with our readers is one of the best things about blogging, which is why I try to leave a comment on as many blogs as I can too. I think it helps us all to know when a post speaks to our readers, as that sort of validates the effort we put into our blogs. I also like your blogging advice….I think I’ve followed all of it except for setting up a search bar. I hadn’t thought about helping someone find a particular post!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Ann, I am glad you had a take away from my post today. I didn’t always have a search bar either, but when another blogger made the suggestion, I added it. I personally like to search old posts on favorite blogs and I think others do too. I also like searching my own blog for all the posts I’ve written about cruising, or Christmas dinner, or whatever, when I am considering another post on the same subject.

      Comments clearly are the lifeblood of our blogs, and I appreciate everyone who contributes. Thanks for adding to the conversation. I appreciate you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  22. This post is so full of wonderful things and is such a great example of why I have followed you since the beginning of your blogging journey. Just today, I was spending the afternoon with another blogger who has become a good friend IRL and you and your blog came up in our conversation… how great is that?!

    So many of us had no idea that the connections we are able to make would become the greatest joy of blogging. I have been lucky to meet many bloggers and I’m always thrilled when the opportunity arises to meet another. I am so hopeful that our paths will cross in the not-too-distant-future. Let me know if that trip to California in the spring works out.

    Have a wonderful time away in beautiful Quebec City! I look forward to reading about your trip and seeing your pictures.

    Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. I am grateful we connected.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Janis, now I’m curious – all good stuff I hope. You are lucky to have met so many bloggers IRL. Maybe one day I will have that opportunity. Thanks for being one of my early followers and for sticking with us. I enjoyed the story you wrote for Marsha’s challenge. You have talent, and I hope that is something you intend to do more of.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. All good, I assure you. Kathy, my blogger friend, had a link to your blog that no longer worked. She was worried that you weren’t posting anymore. As soon as I saw this post in my email, I let her know that you were still around.

        Thank you for your kind words about my short stories. I hope to continue writing them.

        Like

      2. Janis, I promise it wasn’t just paranoia that prompted my curiosity. I knew that I had lost a couple of regular readers and it seemed to coinside with my Domain name change from GoDaddy to Word Press. Some of my non WP readers stopped getting updates (which I wasn’t aware would happen). I will contact Kathy and let her know to resubscribe. Thanks for the information.

        Like

  23. Hi Suzanne, Your post is filled with gems, great photos, and the kind, thoughtful, essence of you I always find in your stories. There is a good reason you have a loyal following all of these years!

    Interesting how Janis came into my radar, too, early on when I began my blog in 2018. I think she was on a “pause” yet she responded to my comment on her blog…and the rest is history. I also have had the pleasure of meeting her IRL along with Donna…no surprises here.

    I ‘get it’ on the meaningful comments. They mean the world to me when someone takes the time (our most precious resource) to actually read our words and respond. You say it perfectly “validate our presence…”

    Your love of photography shines through on your blog and on Instagram. I agree how photographs help tell our story often ‘better than words.’ (Something you and I have in common…although I look at you as my mentor)

    Re: my blog: I still have my blog site open and occasionally I will tweak/add to my “About Page.” I still find people read my stories and comment occasionally. I would like to keep my options open for now. I love to visit friends/blog sites often. I would still like to return to my blog when I feel the time is right. We have had a number of private family challenges the past couple of years and I have to allocate my time/energy carefully.

    A meeting in the future with the bloggers who have maintained a connection would be extra fun! This is something we would have to plan well in advance. I almost wonder about meeting separately from someone’s home town, so everyone can relax. (Speaking from experience re family reunions).

    Have a wonderful trip! I look forward to connecting and reading your posts filled with the beauty and wisdom of Suzanne. xoxo Erica

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Erica, thanks for setting me straight about the status of your blog. Family challenges do have a way of derailing things. I am happy that you have kept your options open as I have always believed that you will one day return to blogging.

      I love the idea of a blogger meet up in a neutral city and I nominate you to lead the planning committee.

      Thank you for your continued support. As always, your comment is encouraging and uplifting. Many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  24. Ha, ha, you made me smile, Suzanne. I politely decline on ‘planning committee’😊 I will do all in my power to attend. Grateful to attend my 50th highschool reunion in 2024 plus some ‘special’ birthday getaways in 2024…lives lived full…as with all of us…enjoy your adventures! 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. We are still sort of in a ‘holding pattern’ with regards to future travels. We did book a cruise for March with the same two friends that we traveled with last year. Malcolm purchased insurance that gives us a ‘cancel for any reason’ out clause. Even our week in Canada is causing some angst, but we can’t stop living.

      Not surprised you declined my nomination. Oh well, I tried.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  25. You make a good point about blogging – in this crazy world it is a reminder there are still reasonable people out there. I’ve never been to Quebec but Montreal is my favorite city. Canadians are wonderful folks.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Jan, our little blogosphere is a good reminder that there are still reasonable people out there. I think it helps that we don’t take on controversial topics here, but we also do not stick our heads in the sand. I haven’t had an opportunity to interact with many Canadians, so I will trust your assessment. Take care.

      Like

      Reply

  26. I was nodding my head “yes” all the way through this post. You asked why might I just hit “like” and not comment? That’s a combination of time and nothing to add/say. My “like” for me says I enjoyed reading your thoughts. OMG, Janis was the first blogger connection I made! And, of course, your words of advice made me worry my blog does not do all of them! Enjoy your travels – may you have the lovely kind of snow while way up north.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Pat, not suprisingly, Janis seems to be the common denominator for a lot of us. She comes off as a very likable person and someone you’d have as a friend IRL. That is the part of blogging that I enjoy most – meeting interesting, authentic individuals.

      My checklist is just a bunch of random thoughts based on observations made over the years. I think of a blog as an extention of the individual’s personality and sometimes that doesn’t necessiarily follow particular rules.

      Your blog is your creation and you get to decide what makes it pleasing and approachable. Don’t ever be confined by arbitrary rules. You do you beautifully.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  27. Thank you for this very thoughtfully written post. There are many wonderful things about writing a blog but your post emphasized the two best – writing to reveal to ourselves our own thoughts and finding kinship with other writers. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.

    Like

    Reply

  28. This is a lovely post, Suzanne. I love how you traced your beginnings and included your early friends. The blogging world is large, yet small. Those people like Erica and Janis have reached many of us and are a part of our personal communities. Others stay on the outskirts of some communities and not others, so when we read a large number of blogs and the comments (which I sometimes have to gloss over in the interest of time) we meet so many more interesting people. It is impossible to keep up with all the wonderful people in the blogging world, but even those sometimes acquaintances brighten our lives. Thanks for sharing this, and for being one of my friends. I am thankful to know you! 🙂 xxx

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Marsha, thank you for the lovely comment. There just isn’t enough time in a day to be thoroughly committed to each community that exists here, I do flit around the edges of a few, just to stay in touch and informed. I love the variety of subjects and the unique ‘voice’ of each blogger and yes, it does feel like friendship. Thanks for being a part of my week. Happy Thanksgiving.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to Erica/Erika Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.